Macabre Omen "Gods Of War - At War" (2015)

Purchasing a couple of records at a gig I went to recently, the seller encouraged me check out his band and I'm very glad I did! "Gods At War" is a swell Pagan Metal album that delves into Greek mythology, the Athens based bands own ancestry. We are used to seeing Viking Metal and the likes from Scandinavia, so its fantastic to find a gem like this where metal isn't as prominent in southern Europe and of course a different source of mythological inspiration.

Macarbe Omen have a loose, liberated flow to their music that doesn't stick to one distinct path to embellish us in ancient settings. Ever twisting and turning through champion riffage, soaring melodies and a barrage of clattering drums an experienced listener can hear tinges of many bands and styles teetering from Black, Death, Pagan and everything in between. The rhythm guitar muddies through hazy distortions and chunky riffs as the leads coarse over with inspired wistful tunes. Charging like a beast into battle the drums constantly bear down with endless blast beats and nimble batterings that can seep into all the creeks with its bellowing echo and reverb. The records voice comes commonly in two forms, shrill, distant howls reminiscent of In The Woods... classic "Heart Of The Ages" and burly lower ranged half growls. There's also a fair few helpings of Greek choir chants to drive home the records heritage. Its inspired and travels through its motions with plenty of spectacular moments that is helped along with an undercurrent of carefully placed symphonics.

Its a record to remember but not without its flaws. Although distinctively Pagan there isn't much beyond a handful of strikingly obvious moments and the song titles to define the Greek mythology theme, maybe in the lyrics but not much can be said of indecipherable howls. "Man Of 300 Voices" however does this with a lengthy acoustic interlude to set the tone. "From Son To Father" is where the record shines brightest. Epic in scale and tone we are lavished with inspired lead guitar melodies and a memorable group chant chorus to conjure the gods.

At just over an hour its a lengthy record, that can be felt as it draws to a close. Eight lengthy tracks of which a handful do take their time to progression through the motions. The production is also a little slack and forgiving of itself. Although the fidelity is key to its atmosphere and ancient feel, the drumming can be overpowering and constantly competing with the guitars. Its a bit nit picky, but where this record aims high it achieves it musically with an inspired touch that fell short on execution.

Favorite Songs: God's Of War, Hellene's Do Not Fight Like Heroes, Heroes Fight Like Hellenes, From Son To Father

Rating: 7/10

Killing Joke "Fire Dances" (1983)

Steadily working my way through the Killing Joke discography we arrive at the bands forth "Fire Dances". At this point I'm starting to wonder if I've heard the best of what they have to offer, however the next record includes two classics. "Love Like Blood" and the song some say Nirvana ripped of "Eighties". Unfortunately the progression to that point has yet to begun with this album mostly toying with the same ideas "Revelations" explored. A touch better overall it suffers from the same flaws as its predecessor. Even though I wouldn't rave about this release, I have to say Killing Joke do a great job at creating an original sound. When its fresh it has its charm but quickly tires as a session draws on.

The opener "The Gathering" gets things charged up with a rampant tom snare beat that glimmers an inkling of hope for another "Tension". Unfortunately the guitars are set on exploring discordant rumbling noises and creating a paranoid, nightmarish semblance. The baseline holds it together with solid melody line and the song experiments with some harsher noises groaning into the landscape. Much of the record follows this formula, tribal primitive drum pound and throb there way through drizzling distortions and nonsensical riffage that doesn't offer much in the way of song structure or progression and the bass guitar is often the only comforting outlet in a maddening climate.

Obviously its the point of this record. Much better than "Revelations" did, "Fire Dances" clearly establishes its vibe of mental insanity and playful madness no thanks to singer Jaz who seems to be enjoying his performances, flamboyant, theatrical and jester-like one can picture him dancing in front of the fire. Records that play with any theme can easily engulf you in it, regardless of if it borders on morose. There are moments where the band achieve this and their unusual riffs and style come off well, however it was to little as a whole. I'm left with an odd appreciation for this record. Its not one I wish to listen to often however it fills the gaps of experimentation that has led to a lot of extreme music I listen to today.

Favorite Song: Harlequin, Dominator, Lust Almighty

Rating: 4/10

Dio "Dream Evil" (1987)

Venturing back into the spirit of Heavy Metal we get fired up with Dio's forth in as many years. Like a blast to the past we are whisked up back to that air of epic fantasy and big rock atmosphere fit for festival headliners. Its hard to think this band were once controversial and attacked on the grounds of being "satanic" music. It just seems like harmless good fun and that's what I had with this record. Now being more accustom to Ronnie James Dio's voice it was very easy to step into "Dream Evil", led by his pioneering charge, followed by rocking instrumentals and a subtle layer of 80s synth.

Much of what I said on "The Last In Line" could be said of this album too. I find Dio slips neatly into the selfless level of enjoyment fit for festival fist pumping and joyous escapism. Powerful, dramatic and full of Heavy Metal thunder the group sound completely in sync with one another, the riffs and song structures revolving around Ronnie's mighty soaring vocals which will have you at their mercy, bobbing your head and singing along with every word through a great set of choruses.

Four years on the production is a touch clearer and generally better. The keys on this album feel under realized, when they crop up they add another dimension to the sound what wasn't explored enough. "Night People" has a foggy organ-like synth subtly enhancing the atmosphere. On "All The Fools Sailed Away" they suddenly, without prompt, jumps into the track with a jiving, vibrant Prog Rock homage lead solo. It gave these songs an edge that didn't return often enough but in all fairness didn't hold this one back from being another Heavy Metal classic.

Favorite Songs: Sunset Superman, All The Fools Sailed Away

Rating: 7/10

Megadeth "Dystopia" (2016)

Its hard to believe it but Dave Mustain's Megadeth have been at it for over thirty years now. Once of Metallica, Dave was dismissed by the band in bad circumstances that left him soar and on quest of retribution to out Metal the giants of the genre. In the late 80s and early 90s the group saw a commercial peak with a string of well received records. In recent years Dave has been touring and pumping out record after record every two to three years. "Dystopia" is the groups fifteenth and I only decided to check it out due to requests to do so. I'm glad I did, its a solid, enjoyable Megadeth record that shows little sign of the group tiring however this meant the record had little new to offer.

If your familiar with Megadeth's sound its distinctive as ever on a tightly produced record. The distortion guitars have flair and speed, electric blazing lead tones and the rhythm sounds a touch Djenty and maybe over compressed. They sound fantastic when synchronizing with the sturdy bass kick drums which thud away mechanically with precision force. The bass guitar for the most part hides under the guitar, a common disappointment with records that don't utilize its potential. Dave's voice is often a turn off for potential fans and their is no break from his nazel tone. The age can be heard in his voice which can still be adventurous but the limits in his range and occasional gruffer vocals are apparent in moments where he sounds a step behind the instrumental intensity.

For the songs and music its typically metal, attitude and aggression circling around wild and excitable riffs, often busting out into lightning paced guitar leads. The record is held together with themes of societal disillusion, paranoia and government conspiracy. There is really little to fault and some of the opening songs would fit in well between the classics in a live show. On a personal level I don't feel like I'm getting any new spice or flavor which probably reflects my current apatite for new sounds as opposed to the monstrous amounts of Metal Ive consumed over the years. Solid record, wish I had been more in the mood to enjoy it.

Rating: 6/10

Erang "Land Of The Five Seasons" (2016)

This latest Erang record had me at a distance, in wanting to connect with it Ive been pushed away and when Ive made no attempt I have been sucked in. When live streaming the power of the music pushes through into focus at various points in the record, engulfing me in its persuasion. When listening intently, analyzing and thinking about my thoughts the magic is dispelled and In thinking of what this means I have come to my conclusion on what I think is the least progressive work Ive heard in a while. It is not without its charm and my undying passion for new and interesting sounds might make that sound a little harsh but I am speaking in the realm of meaningless expectation, to hear an artist find new ground, where as this one revisited.

Land of the five seasons could be considered a return to the roots, the "Tome" era, noticeably 13 tracks in length too. Simpler, melodies and song structures led by fantasy driven nostalgia for the imagination to drift away is where its magic lies. With a lower fidelity and with a touch more Dungeon Synth aesthetic, we sail through misty winds into the mysterious unknown. Its a calmer, slower record that sets its eerie accent gracefully. Its steady and balanced, conjuring its atmospheres with carefully chosen instruments to inspire and charm.

What makes this record is frustrating for me is its secrecy and lack of immediacy. I say this because most often I put on an Erang record and I'm there. However with this record I cannot get there if I pay attention, listen closely. But maybe that's just me, or my mood but when its on in the background it goes deep into the subconscious and unexpectedly creeps up on you with an explosion of magic. Two things I loved was to hear Erang's voice, clean and honest on "Deep Down Into Your Heart" and the fiery "The Red Snakes Of Amang" getting a great sound out of FL Slayer with its shimmering distortions. I have mixed feelings about this one, It has powerful subtleties and a strange transparency too.

Favorite Songs: The Tangerine Theif Of Tadyar, The Red Snakes Of Amrang

Rating: 5/10

Dan Terminus "Rêverie" (2014)

For my second dive into the small discography of French electronic composer Dan Terminus I thought this short twenty minute EP would be an interesting listen. "Rêverie"is a break from the norm as Dan stated he would have fun, taking a break from the usual dark themes and aesthetics in favor of something happy and upbeat. Luckily for me that form of "happy" vibe isn't overly chirpy, enthusiastic or free of balance, there is plenty of room for other feelings to populate these generally positive songs however Dan can't help but steer to darker leanings at times.

In comparison to "The Wrath Of Code" we have a very similar production style but with more space in the mix to breath as the textural synths are used more sparingly. They still pack a punch with some deep wave forms but the lack of depth in layers frees the listener of the demanding density. Breaking away from the dark sound Dan still has a heavy retro inspiration that paints techno-electro fantasies with colorful dancing synthesizers. The 80s vibes course through these tracks, most noticeable when the Phil Collins style synth toms come punching into tracks with their rigid tumbling tom rolls.

Between the five tracks there is plenty of variation mainly in themes and leads. Most the tracks take on a similar tempo with momentous rhythmic patterns, as if hurtling down the cyber highway, sun glasses and hair blowing in the wind like a bad ass. Unlike the previous record I checked out the leading instruments shuffle through many more passageways and moments, rarely repeating back on themselves which made for much more progressive and organic tracks that held my interest for longer. Its a warm, breezy record knee deep in the retro-electro nostalgic fantasies that could be associated with early home console era in the mid 80s, however much richer in quality and dexterity. Dan shows a different side of himself here, one I think I prefer.

Rating: 5/10

Dead Can Dance "Within The Realm Of A Dying Sun" (1987)

This may be the one, "my" Dead Can Dance record. So swiftly and immediately did it command my interest with mystical enchanted bells playing over a foggy and eerie choral synth that chimes in a moment later. It set the tone for an ancient, dark an deeply nostalgic experience of fantasy music with a similarity to the likes of Erang. In its first half this record borders on Dungeon Synth many years before its primitive inception in the 90s from the likes of Burzum and Mortiis. Unlike its predecessors the bands recreational element is yet to be developed and the visions and atmospheres here tell tales of the land of the dead and forgotten mysticism with a remarkable touch of color and vibrancy.

The records second is my favorite, a short and stunningly crafted piece to send your imagination soaring. Rhythmic synths echo the chimes of war as secretive strings expand and contract through a fog. More instruments chime in to add to the cryptic, mystical atmosphere and I feel as if I'm lost on the foggy moors of forgotten lands, safely observing a supernatural event. The rest of the record has a stronger human element through the sturdy, soft voice of Perry on the first half of the record and Gerrard's on the second, sounding as always like she is from another era of time.

Where the duo take two half's of the record there is a split that can be felt as the gears shift from fantasy to a strikingly dark and serious tones of remorse and suffering. On "Cantara" the mood is lifted with tribal rhythms and more stunning vocals from Gerrard. The other three create sorrowful, grave moods of funeral and loss with little respite for any melodic charm in the wake of heavy, burdening compositions that hold a great immediacy within the musics momentum. From the technical perspective this is a well produced collection of instruments for 1987. Its rigidity of timing may be noticeable but does little to dispel the magic that emanates through the speakers.

Favorite Song: Windfall

Rating: 8/10

Porcupine Tree "Fear Of A Blank Planet" (2007)

Being an avid fan of Opeth, its hard not to hear of this band who are frequently discussed and cited as a big influence on the Swedish bands sound. Porcupine Tree are a four piece British Progressive Rock group who formed in the late eighties long after the genres heyday. Beyond that there isn't much I can tell you about them, however they have certainly stirred my interest with this stunning record. Its remained on my playlist for several months and has resisted my understanding, my reach to put feelings into thoughts and this is a sign of its weight, its value, its strengths. There is so much to digest in this dense lavishing of musical passageways and emotional narratives that one is continually indulged and at the mercy of its evolving direction. With every listen I have wished to better understand my experience, yet each time I find their is more to be learned and discovered.

Having heard a fair share of lush and expansive music like this, I found myself most fascinated by the lyrical content which was starkly blunt and different from my exceptions. Fueled with teenage angst and the line "My Xbox is a god to me", this procession of youthful thoughts referencing school, anger, isolation and pornography was initially confusing but eventually it clicked that of course its conceptual and the subject weight is being expressed through the perspective of adolescence. Its quite dark and deals with the problems of youth in such a technologically charged society that causes its share of mental health problems in young people both connected and isolated through technology.

Behind it a continually unraveling flow of luscious instrumentation plays through its share of striking, memorable moments between lengthy, relaxing mellower periods. The most noticeable traits is the depth of sound behind the core instruments and the metallic tenancies that take over moments in these songs. At all times through this record synths, organs or strings can be heard layered in the backdrop, stepping forwards sometimes to enrich a climactic moment. There's a main direction to follow but always depth in the details these additional instruments add. The guitars on occasions dip into some heavy, sometime Djent guitar tones and heavy, crunching moments which personally felt dry as the other instruments drop out of focus for underwhelming, agressive grooves.

Despite a minor quibble this record is a striking effort, possibly their best investigating the critical acclaim of their discography. I do wonder if the title is a reference to Public Enemies 1990 record of the same name and on a final note the production quality of this record is practically flawless, sublime in all measures, a fine piece of work.

Rating: 8/10

Black Sabbath "The End" (2016)

Black Sabbath, a legendary band that needs no introduction but if you happen to not know who these guys are you need to educate yourself, Sabbath are thee band that pioneered Heavy Metal with its most distinctive and lasting qualities in comparison to other bands, ie Led Zeppelin, that were pushing the Hard Rock boundaries at the time. Sabbath put out their self titled debut in 1970 and nothing has been the same since. The distortion guitar tone, the melodic yet doom and hellish atmosphere and Ozzy's remarkable voice shaped the future of Metal to come, having a listing influence on modern bands as well as inspiring the Doom Metal sub genre with "Master Of Reality". Much of Metal's history can be traced back to them and a string of fantastic records with singer Ozzy before his departure in 1979. "The End" is the group's final record, a short four track EP of leftovers from their last full length "13" released three years ago, one that I am guilty of not listening to yet. It's been 48 years since the group first formed, they leave behind a legacy that refuses to be forgotten and this is where the curtains close with the band doing their final round of shows this year.

For a collection of left overs "The End" is surprisingly solid record. The record opens with a thick, strong guitar tone laying down a tight groove at that slower, doomish, Sabbath pace. Ozzy's voice drops in as if It never ages, still youthful, on key and with his distinct tone in full force. The song goes through its seven minutes steadily with a set of riffs that play through a few repetitions in a simple song structure, Gezzer Butler also throwing in some snaky baselines to spice it up with some variety.

The other three tracks follow this rather straightforward song writing and "Take Me Home" adds in an inspired Spanish guitar lead to give a climactic moment it what is a very steady and consistently paced record. Its strengths are almost to a fault, the rigidity of the riffs playing over and over gets a touch stale with many listens but its undeniably a good collection of riffs and grooves that show these guys still have it. Of course nothing to beat the classics, but something you can get behind and rock out too!

Favorite Song: Isolated Man

Rating: 5/10

Tory Town Poets "TTP" (2014)

Along with Kate Tempest this is another gift I received for Christmas. Its a short 18 minute spoken word piece, performance poetry enhanced with a few lingering sound effects to help set a tone. Poets Olmo Lazarus and Sioni Richards present us with food for thought through word and rhyme as they express their disenfranchised situations. Through topics of war, work, money, youth and suburban disillusionment we muse on their thoughts. The duo have similar styles and tone, complimenting one another from track to track with their deeper, common voices, spoken as if talking directly to you. With a silky flow of organic rhymes and sturdy pacing their words suck one in to the clear and cohesive narratives laid down around the points expressed. You can sense the emotion and anger, its behind calm and calculated expressions but the weight of each point hits home heavy and as the pace of delivery whizzes by as a whirl of mental activity stirs inside on the many observations and points touched on. Its a very socially oriented piece, relative to the human experience, as opposed to any political alignment or ideology, however the groups name may give you a sense of where their politics fall. Its short, rammed with substance and an expression to tune into for a touch of sanity.

Favorite Track: C.V.

Rating: 6/10